Purple Heads East

Conference Day 1

We began to see lots of purple around MUN (Memorial University of Newfoundland) yesterday. There were a few purple shirts when we left for The Rooms and a lot of purple when we got back. Registration begins at noon today although I am not quite sure where. The local Trefoil Guilds, TG for short, were attaching something to our dorm room doors last night. Maybe I should see what it says.

This is my first National TG Gathering and I am excited about seeing old friends and a little apprehensive about the sessions I chose so very long ago.

Registration was a time to see many friends and make new ones. Our Newfoundland hostesses aka the conference team were wearing distinct bib aprons...red with row houses on the bib. Our name tags contained our schedules and there was much noise and excitement everywhere. The residence we were using was fairly new (3 years old) and the individual rooms are very nice. There is an incredible amount of storage space in each room that makes it very functional. When you open the door from the hallway there is a large entrance room with a shared shower room on one side and a toilet and sink room on the other side. 

Each floor also has a large lounge room with a kitchen area and a large TV with several small round tables for eating. There is a shared fridge and a microwave for students to use. There is also a study lounge on each floor. Very well planned out and so great for students.

The opening ceremony was held off site on the night we all arrived and that meant taking buses. Earlier in the day we had convinced two older participants (89 and 92) from Comox that they really should have walkers because of the distances between the venues. They reluctantly agreed and with help from the Newfoundland and Labrador Girl Guide Commissioner Ruth and I were able to rent two walkers for the week. The cost was very reasonable $10 and $15 per week and the more expensive one had a basket. The ladies became proficient quite quickly and enjoyed their extended independence although they didn't really want us to know that.

 

 

Conference Day 2

This was choice session day and that meant finding different buildings, the correct wing of the building and the right room in the wing. 

My first session, once I found the room, was about folklore and it was excellent. The speaker explained the different types of folklore and how they begin and why they continue. Newfoundland has an incredible tradition of folklore. The session was both informative and interesting.

My next session was back in the residebce building and it was about fraud. The presenter was from the Royal Bank of Canada and she shared many of the current scams and how they work and how to avoid them. She gave us a retention schedule for many things such as bank statements, income tax forms and more. I made notes and will be making some changes once I get home. My shredder will be getting a work out before long. The safest way to send money to someone is by e-transfer and don't ever give financial information to someone who phones you because banks just don't do that.  

My afternoon session was rug hooking. The ladies showed us many of beautiful pieces and then we tried it. I have never mastered knitting but I might just be able to do this. I am going to look for a small kit that might fit into my suitcase.

Conference Day 3 - Outrips and Banquet

Ruth and I both chose to go on the bus trip to Cupid and Brigus. We had a real tour bus and tour guide and the latter shared lots of information with us. It was great to be off campus but the absolute best part of the day was lunch! The tables were set with linen tablecloths and napkins, the cutlery was on the table and the food was delivered to us. Such a change from standing in line to scoop food onto your plate. It was a great outrip. 

The conference banquet was in the evening and we were told to wear our aprons as we were having a kitchen party. Ruth and I both discovered that our aprons were a little on the large size and not really meant for sitting. My favorite aprons were ones that the gals from Kamloops had made from the striped uniform blouse designed by Alfred Sung. They looked great!

The entertainment was a female singer/comedian and her spontaneous banter with the keyboard player was hilarious. They were there until just after dinner and then the organizing committee took over. These ladies are not shy about performing at all. It was a wonderful evening.

Conference Day 4

Final day and the wind she was a howling. The sessions were in the outdoor marquee but the infamous St. John's wind played havoc with the screen and the sound system. The highlight of the entire event was the auctioning of the ten red hostess aprons that the event team had worn all week. They were coveted by many participants and almost $2,000 was raised for a scholarship. The team was in disbelief as each apron went for more than the one before. A wonderful way to say thank you to our hostesses. Thank you ladies and long may your big jib draw.